On the 8th October 2025, we brought together a group of deaf creatives and professionals with other areas of expertise and whose thoughts, opinions and years of experience are vital to shaping the future of the Scottish arts sector. This space was about honest conversation, lived experience and imagining a future where Deaf leadership in the arts is standard. As a hearing person, I recognise the privilege I hold in my role as Creative Director of a theatre company that’s focused on making work: theatre, film and outreach with and for deaf artists, deaf professionals, deaf young people, the deaf community and audiences. My responsibility is to use that privilege to support deaf leadership, not speak over it. This has been a powerful reminder that change happens when we not only set up the table, but we must invite the right people to pull up a chair and be in the conversation – not just observe on the sidelines by providing a BSL/English interpreter.

This event led by Deaf entrepreneur Joel Kellhofer has sparked important reflections. We’ve talked about the barriers that have stood in the way for too long, but also the opportunities that are here if we choose to build on them. Most importantly, this has been a platform for deaf creatives to exchange ideas and stories.

This is only the beginning of the next phase of deaf creatives in the arts. We are committed to continuing these conversations, taking them to the people who can make change happen, and keeping deaf leadership within the crux of our work.

Thank you to everyone in the room and everyone who I have spoken with over the past two years in post. What happens next is exciting — and necessary.

Watch this space.